Voice of the people (letter).

Medicare Billing

July 29, 1997|By James P. Corcoran.

WESTCHESTER — "Bookkeeping chaos/Fixing Medicare on the backs of the elderly and poor," by Joan Beck (Op-Ed, July 20), was of considerable interest. She alluded to the errors and possible fraud by providers.

I think providers should submit their billing to patients before it is sent to Medicare. If there are no corrections by the patients within two weeks, then release the billing to Medicare.

This will place some onus on the patient to correct any errors or get any pertinent clarification on the billing. No additional paperwork; just another stamped envelope.